Life-saving check-ups missed
The patients, considered high-risk due to receiving radiotherapy above the waist between the years 1962 and 2003, should have been invited to receive annual check-ups to detect early signs of breast cancer as part of the chief medical officer’s ruling and guidance at that time.
Investigations found that a third of the women who fell within this guidance were not given their yearly scans and were instead provided 3-yearly scans.
High risk of breast cancer
Guidance sets out that women who had received radiotherapy above the waist were at a heightened risk of developing breast cancer as a result of the exposure. It was on that basis that they were to be included in the scheme in order to implement yearly scans to facilitate early detection of the disease.
The failure to refer these women is therefore a cause for significant concern. The women who should have been taking part in the scheme will be provided with a scan within the next 3 months.
Breast screening programme
It’s been confirmed that a number of the women affected are enrolled in the NHS breast screening programme (where women over 50 are invited to have a mammogram every 3 years), meaning they have undergone scans every 3 years. Had they been correctly referred, they would have had scans on an annual basis.
Sadly, a small number of women in the group are not enrolled in the breast screening programme, meaning they have had no scans at all since their radiotherapy treatment.
Clearly, this is a grave error, the consequences and impact of which is yet to be seen. The failure has been covered in recent press and further information can be found here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/nhs-england-victoria-atkins-secretary-of-state-mri-gps-b2507304.html
Breast cancer awareness
Breast cancer is a serious disease which affects around 55,000 women every year and around 370 men. It’s vital that you’re vigilant and are aware of the risks and how to detect early signs that may be able to help prevent or minimise the effects.
You can find information on how to check for lumps and the early warning signs and symptoms to watch out for, here:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/how-to-check-your-breasts-or-chest/
If you have concerns about the treatment that you or a loved one has received in relation to breast screening or cancer, please contact our expert clinical negligence team on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk
Support available: At Rothera Bray we are passionate about directing those affected by clinical negligence to additional and focused support. This can help you live with your injury, support you with your emotional and mental health and/or come to terms with the death of a loved one. You can find support with a cancer diagnosis or cancer-related death here:
Macmillan
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/diagnosis
Cancer Research
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/practically/support-at-home
Cancer support UK
Marie Curie
https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/support-directory/health-organisations
Disclaimer: This blog is for information only and does not constitute legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact us on 03456 465 465 or email enquiries@rotherabray.co.uk to get tailored advice specific to your circumstances from our qualified lawyers.
